The Rundown! - The Renfields, Obelisk, Bungler & more (2/20)

If local shows were colors, then this Friday's show would be a rainbow. Are you in the mood for horror punk, emotive rock, alternative hardcore or something else? Chances are we've got it for you!

Our favorite Transylvania Pogo Punks, The Renfields, are gracing our stage with their presence. Joining them will be Bungler, Obelisk, Dead Face Down and A Farewell to Romance.

Doors @ 6 - Show @ 7 - $5 Admission

RSVP on Facebook for more info.

                                                                                                                                                                   

The Renfields

Photo courtesy of Mike Winland Studios

Origins: Precise time and location is difficult to say, but the consensus is that The Renfields were created 10 years ago, give or take 10 years depending on your time stream. Since they departed their Transylvanian residence, they have released six albums, their most recent being the long-awaited "Go!"Their music has been featured on soundtracks, and they have toured across the country. Throughout their tenure as a band, they have succeeded in starving the Fiend (bass) of all food.

The Sound: Driven by the reanimated hearts of The Ramones inside of them, The Renfields are known for writing songs based on a plethora of horror movies. The bass lines, guitars and drums all proceed at an accelerated rate, and the catchy lyrics will have you singing along before you've even heard the song! As for influences, singer and ghoulishly handsome Vincent Renfield said, "With so many members in the band, we tend to have influences coming from every style and genre. For example, I recently asked Fiend what his favorite style of music was and he said 'Chubs'. I'm pretty sure that this is something that doesn't even exist."

Did You know? The Renfields once played in Deleware.

Bungler

Photo courtesy of Errick Easterday

Origins: What began as a side project designed to have fun and escape the "business" side of things eventually bloomed into Bungler. The expiration of other musical involvements brought Bungler into the foreground. Since their formation in 2012, the band has been devoted to creating real, honest music, and not succumbing to all of the "fake" that permeates the music industry. They have released their debut EP, "Fake Fur," which is available pretty much everywhere online.

The Sound: Bungler's music is electrified hardcore. A certain energy pervades their brisk instrumentation and scathing vocals. It's an energy that you'd want before you engage in a run-for-your-life situation, as it makes you want to move, and move fast. They are influenced by a variety of hardcore bands, such as letlive., Every Time I Die and Vanna, but their music is their own. Even Gandhi would want to throw a few 'bows in a pit during their set.

Did you know? There is not a live bassist for Bungler, yet bass is present. While no backtracks or bass guitars are present, the band creates the effect using a few different pedals and a bass amp.

Obelisk

Photo courtesy of Obelisk

Origins: It took Ezekiel Kaplan a few years and two cross-country treks, but at a Steven Wilson concert in 2013 all the components of what is now Obelisk came together. The band is a four piece based out of Pittsburgh. To date they have two releases, including an eponymous EP of demos and a two-song release titled "Pillar of Creation".

The sound: Obelisk infuses progressive elements into their brand of metal. Inspired by music such as the technical, progressive elements of Opeth and the colossal death metal created by Death, Obelisk's sound is somewhere between the two. Powerful vocals and gloomy guitars march together to create metal anthems that build, break down and then build again in a gripping crescendo.

Did you know? When Kaplan moved to California to form a band with his friend Caleb Hay, they could not find any other musicians that they clicked with. Kaplan began talking with Devan Procopio, an old friend in Pittsburgh, and realized how much musical chemistry they had together. When Kaplan jokingly suggested to Hay that they drive across the United States to start the band, Hay was completely on board. They met up with Dan Winschel at a Steven Wilson concert, and then, as if the Pick of Destiny had been found, the band begun to write music.




Dead Face Down

Photo courtesy of Dead Face Down

Origins: Prior to Dead Face Down there was Rasclaat, a metal band formed in 1999. Five years, and a few member changes later came Dead Face Down. The five piece has played with big name acts such as Hatebreed, Morbid Angel, Chimaira, Hed PE and many more. Their latest album was recorded by master producer David Bendeth (In Flames, As I Lay Dying, The Ghost Inside).

The Sound: If you are a fan of Pantera, Lamb of God or Slipknot, then you should enjoy Dead Face Down. Their vein of metal is abrasive and vengeful. Guttural screams are paced amid galloping riffs and rapid drumming. Their sound is cleverly composed, being equal parts brutal and technical.

Did you know? This Friday is Dead Face Down's first time performing in Clarksburg. Although they have played many shows throughout their time as a band, they have never seen what a Clarksburg crowd can bring.

Head to the band's ReverbNation page and check out their music!

A Farewell to Romance

Photo courtesy of A Farewell to Romance

Origins: A Farewell to Romance has been around in some form or another for more than ten years. Although members came and went, in March of 2014 the fixture hardened. The quartet of rockers, based out of Bridgeport, WV., are currently working on their debut album, "My Once Love & Future Regret".

The Sound: There is a warm, affectionate tone to A Farewell to Romance's songs. It's a gentle variety of rock, with traces of punk that arise as vocalist and guitarist Nicholas Cooke croons out his vulnerable lyrics. Their melody-charged songs are laced with reminders of 90s pop rock. 

Did you know? Cooke and bassist Matt Wagner have been working on A Farewell to Romance for over ten years! Whether it was just the duo project, a side project to other bands or their primary focus, the songs you'll hear this Friday are a decade in-the-making!

Head to the band's ReverbNation page and check out their music!